Sierra and Jack rush out of the Humpback with a fleet of starfighters behind them. The Dunkleosteus responds by sending out starfighters of its own. As the starfighters clash, General Fatalis gives the order to all troops to destroy the Humpback. The Dunkleosteus was not taking prisoners and the crew of the Humpback knew this. Xel and the rest of the crew help out in any way they could. The Humpback fires its cannons at the Dunkleosteus and the Dunkleosteus responds in kind. Meanwhile, Sierra and Jack gun down as many enemy starfighters as they could. Sierra even manages to swat some starfighters out of the sky. Back on the Dunkleosteus, General Fatalis sees this battle going nowhere. That is when he gets a message from Emperor Quantis himself.

“This cannot be. So, the time has finally come. Prepare the Thylacoleo!” Orders General Fatalis before leaving.

Back on the battlefield, the starfighters of the Humpback seem to have the edge. For a moment, it seems like they might push the Federation back. That is when the Federation starfighters start moving in an odd manner. The Federation starfighters proceed to move away from the Humpback’s fleet as if they were clearing a path.

“I don’t like the look of this. What do you think their plotting?” Asks Jack.

“I don’t know but I see something on the Dunkleosteus.” Says Sierra.

Sierra then sees a pair of lights glow from atop the Dunkleosteus. It quickly dawns on Sierra what those lights are.

“GET DOWN!” Shouts Sierra.

Sierra and Jack barely dodge a pair of high-powered pulse shots. The pulse shots tore through starfighter after starfighter before hitting the Humpback directly, destroying one of its cannons and damaging others. In the Humpback, Some the crew were injured in the resulting explosion from the attack. The crew assess the damage before repair whatever could be repaired. All the while, Xel and several other medics tend to the wounded. Captain Farron helps the crew in any way he could. Captain Farron sends an important order to Sierra and Jack.

“Sierra. Jack. The Humpback has sustained heavy damage. Figure out where that shot came from and take it out ASAP.” Says Captain Farron while lifting debris off on of the crew.

Sierra and Jack dodge shots from enemy starfighters while searching for the source of the pulse shots. Sierra eventually spots a mech on top of the Dunkleosteus. The mech in question was a Thylacoleo unit equipped with high-powered pulse cannons.

“Jack! I’ve spotted the mech firing at the Humpback. Go defend the Humpback. I’ll take this mech down.” Says Sierra.

“But it’s too dangerous. If a starfighter sees you, they’ll gun you down without a second thought.” Says a worried Jack.

“I’ll be fine. The Humpback and it crew needs us. Please Jack. We have to do this.” Says Sierra.

“Alright. Once you’re done, I’ll swing by to grab you.” Says Jack.

Sierra then leaps off the Eagle and jet thrusts towards the Thylacoleo. As the Thylacoleo is about to fire another shot, Sierra lands on the mech and throws off its aim causing it to miss. Jack leaves to fend off the enemy starfighters. He starts by gunning down two and disabling an additional four. This immediately causes the enemy starfighters to divert their attention towards the Eagle. This also buys the allied starfighters enough time to regroup and follow Jack lead in this battle. Jack orders all allied starfighter to flank the enemy starfighters and try to use their maneuverability to take out the enemy as quickly as possible. The starfighters follow the command and proceed to take out the enemy starfighters to make up for their reduced numbers.

Back in the Humpback, the crew starts to lose their morale as the damage and injuries start to add up. Eventually, this even effects Xel as their medical team struggles to help those who are injured. Captain Farron sees this and decides to give the crew a boost.

“Now is not the time for despair. We’ve come too far to let the Galaxy fall to tyranny. Even if we fall here, there will be those who will fight for better tomorrow. So let us be the light the guides the Galaxy forward!” Says Captain Farron, inspiring the crew with hope.

With morale boosted, the crew is able to repair the Humpback as much as they could and the medics are able to better tend to the injured. Xel orders any medics not tending to the injured assist the crew in any way they could. Meanwhile, Sierra stands and gets a good look at the Thylacoleo. Sierra then hears a voice coming from the coms of the Thylacoleo. The driver of the Thylacoleo was none other than General Fatalis and he has some words for the Aquarian.

“Who would have guessed that we would meet like this? I’m going to enjoy hearing you squeal with agony as I tear you apart!” Says General Fatalis.

“Like hell you would! We’re going to take you down and put an end to this conflict!” Says Sierra with determination.

“Oh, you poor little fish. You haven’t paid attention to the news, haven’t you? The Republic releases a virus and caused all mech on Virontus to go haywire. War has already been declared and Emperor Quantis fully intends to lead us to victory.” Says General Fatalis.

Sierra couldn’t believe what she just heard. Not only have they failed to prevent war from breaking out, but the two superpowers fulling intend on winning by any and all means necessary. Knowing what must be done, Sierra readies the Battle Kongs weapons and prepares to battle General Fatalis head on.

“Even if war has been declared, we’re not going to let tyrants stroke their egos while people around them suffer. We’ll end this pointless war and tear down both the Republic and the Federation!” Says Sierra with conviction in her voice.

“I’d like to see you try. You’ll join your foolish rebels soon enough.” Says General Fatalis.